We talk a lot about the importance of groundwater and the dangers of it becoming contaminated, but this does not mean much if you do not know what we mean by groundwater. Considering groundwater’s importance, you should try to understand it better.
The formation of groundwater
Groundwater is literally water found under the ground, the result of rainfall soaking through the soil and saturating the rock below. The topmost saturated layer is known as the water table. Rather than being part of a river or lake, groundwater is found in and between other materials, such as sand and rock, filling every gap and crack. An aquifer is rock that allows water to escape in usable amounts. Around 80% of English tap water is from groundwater. Groundwater only flows between seven and 60 centimetres a day when travelling through an aquifer, so it may stay below ground for thousands of years.
Why it is important
There is not enough water above ground to meet all our needs, but aquifers can provide considerably more water than all rivers and lakes put together. We use groundwater for drinking, washing and ensuring farmers can grow crops. It also supports a wide range of animal and plant life, forming the basis of many ecosystems. This is why the kind of groundwater remediation offered at //soilfix.co.uk/services/groundwater-remediation/ is so important, as it removes potentially toxic contaminants from the water.
With a better understanding of groundwater, you should realise why it is considered so important, and be willing to make a more active effort to ensure it remains clean and safe.